ADQ and the Zayed Authority for People of Determination (ZAPoD) have renewed their strategic partnership to advance the Bridges of Hope programme, a UAE-Egypt initiative launched in 2022. The programme focuses on enhancing the lives of People of Determination in Egypt through rehabilitation, communication, and comprehensive family and community support.
Since its inception, the initiative has transformed the rehabilitation landscape across Egypt. It aims to renovate 128 speech and rehabilitation centres in 27 governorates by the end of 2025, with the goal of reaching 20,000 beneficiaries. So far, 100 centres have been upgraded over 11 operational phases, delivering more than 600,000 specialised sessions in speech therapy and rehabilitation.
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The renovated centres serve communities across both urban and remote regions, with particular attention to underserved villages. They provide integrated services for People of Determination, while running awareness and counseling programmes for families and guardians. Social workers and speech therapists conduct workshops to identify learning difficulties, equipping families with tools to support their loved ones. In addition, the programme implements psychosocial support initiatives to address emotional and mental well-being.
Beyond centre rehabilitation, the programme conducts periodic medical and awareness caravans across multiple governorates. Each caravan offers free medical and therapeutic services, psychological counseling, and family support. Specialist teams include professionals in paediatrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, ENT, surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics, nutrition, and obstetrics and gynecology. Each caravan is equipped with a pharmacy and a medical testing lab. To date, 15 caravans have served over 30,000 beneficiaries, including children, the elderly, and People of Determination.
Training is another key pillar of the initiative. ZAPoD conducts workshops for therapists at speech centres, focusing on behavioural intervention, speech development, and autism support. These sessions enhance early-life skills and promote social integration for children with special needs.
The renewed partnership demonstrates a sustained commitment to building inclusive communities. With enhanced infrastructure, specialised training, and expanded outreach, the Bridges of Hope programme continues to empower individuals and families, setting an example of impactful humanitarian collaboration between the UAE and Egypt.
